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Definition of basking shark in English:

basking shark

noun

A large shark which feeds exclusively on plankton and typically swims slowly close to the surface, found chiefly in the open ocean.

Cetorhinus maximus, the only member of the family Cetorhinidae

‘Diving takes place year-round, but late spring is fantastic for spotting basking sharks.’

‘We now know from satellite-tagging programmes that basking sharks live in UK waters and follow the plankton to deeper water during the winter.’

‘He will also be able to enjoy spectacular scenery and get close to wildlife including basking sharks, dolphins, puffins and gannets.’

‘Last year several basking sharks cruised within 100m of the beach and a pod of dolphins made regular visits, so you never can tell what might turn up.’

‘Anyone who has swum with basking sharks will tell you that it is an awesome experience.’

‘These waters can also be good for spotting sunfish, basking sharks and whales.’

‘Strange creatures accustomed to deeper waters or warmer climes such as basking sharks, eagle rays, and bluefin tuna are increasingly being found around our shores.’

‘Of course, basking sharks frequent our coastal waters, but seldom are they observed making the movements described (rolling over on their backs) by the surfers.’

‘It has also created websites monitoring whale shark and basking shark movements and identification worldwide.’

‘Incoming tides also bring at certain times of the year shoals of mackerel and bass, dolphins, basking sharks and giant jellyfish.’

‘Even that can be a blessing in disguise when basking sharks and sunfish follow their lunch.’

‘There's another shark that's considerably larger than the white shark called the basking shark, and that gets to be about 40 feet long.’

‘It may be one of the largest animals on Earth, growing to a length of more than 10m, but the basking shark is a harmless plankton feeder: the ultimate gentle giant.’

‘In summer, even basking sharks and sunfish occasionally show up.’

‘Unlike most sharks, both whale and basking sharks are filter feeders who grow to large sizes (the whale shark can grow to more than 60 feet long) by feeding on plankton.’

‘Hand gestures to indicate the sighting of a hammerhead or a basking shark can easily be misunderstood if they are improvised at the last moment!’

‘Harbour porpoises, the smallest of their family in the UK, are a common sight here, along with minke whales, dolphins and basking sharks.’

‘No plankton means no basking sharks or manta rays but it also means exceedingly good visibility.’

‘Finally, I am concerned that the bill proposes to issue quota for species that are so endangered that they are subject to the convention on endangered species, such as basking shark, whale shark, and sea horse.’

‘But like other fish, sharks have red muscle as well as white muscle, the red muscle actually predominating in slow swimming fish like basking sharks.’